Exposure to carbon monoxide and particulate matter among cassava grits processors in the middle belt of Ghana: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: exposure to smoke from biomass combustion during economic activities is a major health risk. One of such commercial activities that use biomass fuel is gari (cassava grits) processing. Cassava grits is a staple food produced from grated and fermented cassava. Several studies have depicted exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM(2.5)) at the household level and fewer studies on small-scale industries such as the aforementioned one. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted among 17 cassava grits processors (CGPs) using Lascar CO monitors for 24 hours and micro personal exposure monitoring devices for 72 hours, in the Kintampo South District of Ghana. CGPs were monitored during working hours and off-working hours. Two focus groups were conducted among CGPs and five in-depth interviews among community gatekeepers. RESULTS: CGPs were exposed to high CO and PM(2.5) levels during working hours from 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM and off-working hours from 5:00 PM - 5:59 AM. CGPs, community gatekeepers shared different opinions on health effects of biomass fuel use. CONCLUSION: traditional cookstoves are used due to the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cost, the quantity and the quality of cassava grits from biomass fuel. This activity exposes CGPs to CO and PM(2.5) concentrations above the 14 ppm safe levels recommended by the World Health Organisation.